Mitigation Techniques for Non-Compliance Challenges of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Plant

This paper presents information regarding the requirements for connecting a solar photovoltaic plant (SPP) to the South African (SA) utility grid according to the South African renewable energy grid code (SAREGC). A network model will be presented in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, which includes the utility grid and the connection of a grid-connected SPP. An objective will be to confirm the performance parameters of an inverter model within a designed network for possible non-compliance factors of a Category B SPP that may arise during grid code compliance (GCC) simulations in a steady-state environment. The mitigation techniques that will be implemented could provide insight to independent power producers (IPPs) to overcome any non-compliance challenges. These non-compliances may be detected from steady-state power system analysis studies performed for reactive power capability, voltage capability requirements or power quality, which might affect the normal operating conditions of the utility grid.